Bhutan Remembers Kyabje Penor Rinpoche as a 'Great Teacher'

April 2, 2009

Tibet Custom (UK)
April 1, 2009

Dharamshala -- The prime minister of Bhutan,
Lyonchen Jigmi Y Thinley, said that the
government and the people of Bhutan would always
remember His Eminence Kyabje Drubwang Pema Norbu
Rinpoche (Penor Rinpoche) as a "great master and
a teacher", the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) reported.

His Eminence Kyabje Penor Rinpoche passed away at
his residence at Namdroling monastery in India on
27 March. Kyabje Penor Rinpoche was born in 1932 in Kham in eastern Tibet.

A press statement issued by his monastery said
that many high lamas and various other
dignitaries received blessings from him before he
breathed his last. The statement said that
parinirvana prayers are being performed by his followers worldwide.

Speaking to BBS, Bhutan's prime minister said
Penor Rinpoche has made special contribution to
the promotion and advancement of Buddha dharma in Bhutan.

According to BBS, Bhutan's ambassador to India V
Namgyal represented the king, the government and
the people of Bhutan at the special prayer before
the demise of Kyabje Penor Rinpoche.

Namdroling monastery is also the top destination
for Bhutanese students pursuing further studies.
Spokesperson from the Namdroling monastery in
India told BBS that there are more than 500
Bhutanese studying Buddhist philosophy in the monastery.

In May 2003, Penor Rinpoche and the accompanying
party of monks gave empowerments and teachings in
Bumthang. More than 20,000 people from different
parts of the country had attended the month-long cerermony.

A gathering at Sogyal Rinpoche's teaching in
Bhutan's capital Thimpu also dedicated a moment
of thought for late Penor Rinpoche. Meanwhile,
special prayer ceremonies are being conducted across Bhutan.